I have really enjoyed Mary’s Sleep Tips, haven’t you? (This is part of the Mission’s Wellness Program.)  I admit, I’m a pretty good sleeper.  However, when I can’t go right to sleep I become very vexed.  Sometimes I just can’t shut my mind down, and sometimes I just don’t feel sleepy (even though I might have dozing in my chair before actually going to bedJ).

I thought I would share with you some things that seem to work for me when I am lying in bed not able to go to sleep:

1. Rather than feeling frustrated, I thank God for the extra time I have to spend with Him.
2. I ask the Holy Spirit to help me with whatever I am anxious about, and try to listen for His counsel.
3. I ask God to please help me go to sleep and to sleep well.
4. I list all the things I have to be thankful for, large and small.
5. I recite (to myself) the Scriptures I am currently trying to memorize and meditate on them.
6. I go over the books of the Bible.

Sometimes these work and I do go on to sleep.  Occasionally, I end up spending hours on the six items above.  When that happens, rather than feeling like I have wasted a night I instead feel like I have had a fruitful and blessed time with the LORD.

I’ll add one more thing to Mary’s Sleep Tip that was posted last Thursday.  If you are anxious about anything, please remember that I am here for you.  You can email, text, call, or come by (appointment or drop-in).  I am a confidential resource for you, and I am always pleased to be able to listen, to pray with you, and perhaps offer counsel if appropriate.  My office hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and alternating Wednesdays (typically the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month) and I am on both campuses as needed.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

Blessings,

Judy